Rustic Design Style

What Is Rustic Design Style?

Rustic design style can actually go by many names. I generally class them together under Rustic Design, and I’ll explain why. You could call this style Rustic, Farmhouse, Shabby Chic, Vintage, Cabin, or Country. They all share similar characteristics but have little variances that set them apart. This is a very popular design style right now and one that I don’t see fading away any time soon. I can actually see it being used more as people inherit heirloom possessions and become more budget conscience.

You may have read my guide to finding your design style (if not you can read it here!) and found yourself attracted to this design style. Now you are wondering how you can expand on that and what branch to take. How much or how little can you do?

Rustic Design is a very forgiving and accepting style. It’s a great spot for different styles to mix together under, and a favourite amongst DIY-ers. If you are new to upcycling (repurposing old furniture in a new way) then using a distressed finished is great for you because practically anything goes. The point of distressing is to add character marks, instead of having a perfect finish. Even if you have an oopsies you can pass it off as on purpose!

Kinda like the gritty texture on the knots of my console table, from not properly sanding between coats of stain #livenlearn. But I like the additional texture, it adds character and makes it more unique! You can find my tutorial here.

Rustic Design Characteristics

There are some general characteristics of rustic design, the staple pieces you might say. Most of these are used together in such a way as to create a cozy and informal environment. Rustic design should make everyone feel relaxed and at ease when they enter your home.

• Everything shows signs of age or distress. Even new decorations are made in such a way as to appear worn. The finish is purposefully chipped, scuffed, and scratched up. Metals are rusted and weathered. Paint is faded and marked. Antiques and heirloom pieces will fit right into the rustic design style.

• Nature is a major influencer. A lot of the materials are natural or nature inspired. Some ways this can be done are with wood flooring, or wood paneling, linen or cotton fabrics, branch motifs, pictures of landscapes or animals, etc. In fact, wood is a key decor feature itself. The colors used are normally kept fairly muted and neutral.

• Handmade pieces add a sense of hominess and comfort to a room. Rustic Design style usually incorporates diy furniture, handcrafted quilts, and signs for wall art. There is a tendency to use more rather than fewer decor items in rustic design compared to other styles. If not styled properly it is easy to make a space feel cluttered or messy.

Types of Rustic Design

Farmhouse:

This style usually comes to mind first when someone thinks Rustic design. It has a lot of defining features. Farmhouse designs tend to use a lot of word art or signs, wall collages, and farm animal motifs. Cows, chickens and pigs are popular animals used. Using chicken wire and barnwood are also common features. Furniture tends to be heavy and solid pieces with handcrafted details. Printed fabrics tend to be plaids or florals when they aren’t simply burlap. This style can be very cozy and quaint!

Vintage

This rustic design style incorporates antiques and replicas. Antique furniture, appliances, and heirloom decor tend to grace homes with vintage rustic design. Colors tend to be pastels and muted with dark stained woods. Lace fabric is used a lot for the drapery, pillows, and tablecloths. This decorating style can look cluttered easily if not properly managed. It is so easy to get caught up in collecting vintage pieces. You do need to watch out for that.

Cabin

Cabin style decorating can be a very simplistic look. The walls are usually wood-clad, or neutral tones. Furniture is simple in design without much detail or embellishing. It is very much inspired by nature and normally will have natural elements used inside such as logs, branches, antlers, and flowers. Plaid is very commonly used for fabric, as well as wool.

Country

Also called ranch or western style, country is similar to the farmhouse style in a lot of ways. Decorations are more likely to have horses instead of cows, and horseshoes instead of chicken wire. Barnwood is used frequently, as well as solid furniture. Burlap, rope, and plaids are also very common. Colors tend to be warm and complimentary, while the woods are light tones. This style isn’t overly decorated but still done up enough to be welcoming.

Shabby Chic

Technically this one is a blend of two different styles, but it is a very popular style right now. I am sure you’ve come across it on Pinterest or Instagram. It is a combination of the styles Rustic Design, and Glam Design. So a bit rough around the edges, with some femininity and sparkle. Furniture tends to have specials details such as engravings, handscraped finishes, or unique colors. It is a mix of new and old, glossy and rough, feminine and masculine.

Rustic Design Blends

But just because you dig the Rustic design style, doesn’t mean you have to be into all the styles that fall under this category. I believe most people are a blend of design styles. Shabby Chic is a prime example of that. You can also do modern rustic, or industrial rustic, maybe you are a blend of bohemian and rustic! There is no right or wrong combination of design styles, you just need to learn how to style them so they compliment each other rather than competing.

Your Style

There is not a right or wrong amount of rustic design style to decorate with, as long as it feels good to you. If you love everything about rustic design then you will probably be happier in a home that uses a lot of rustic characteristics. If you loved barnwood but aren’t a fan of antiques, then just use what you do love and blend it with another style! Don’t be afraid to explore various design styles and play around with combinations to find out what your best fit is. The goal is to help you love your house so you feel happy and welcomed in it. Because at the end of the day, it is your home.

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